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Fox said Friday that this would be the last season of its hit program "24," announcing to audiences the action-packed, real-time show would wind to a close after eight tense years of Bauer's special-agent crime-fighting.

The show, starring Kiefer Sutherland as rogue counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer, garnered 68 Emmy nominations over the course of its run as critics praised its real-time format and twisty storylines that usually saw Bauer defeat not just the bad guy but an entire terrorist organization.

Sutherland, who was nominated for a lead actor Emmy in 2006 for the show, said "24" was his career high point.

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"This has been the role of a lifetime, and I will never be able to fully express my appreciation to everyone who made it possible," Sutherland said.

"But when all is said and done, it is the loyal worldwide fan base that made it possible for me to have the experience of playing the role of Jack Bauer, and for that I am eternally grateful."

The actor said in his statement that "24" producers, cast and crew wanted the show to "finish on a high note," so calling it quits after this season was unanimous.

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This year, Sutherland's Bauer is fighting terrorism in New York, after six seasons in Los Angeles and one in Africa and Washington, D.C.